Commanders in playoff hunt, following typical Rivera script
2 years ago

Commanders in playoff hunt, following typical Rivera script

Associated Press  

The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! “It’s interesting because going back and looking in my past for nine seasons in one spot, we never had the same secondary, and so defensively we were always scrambling to put it together,” Rivera said. “With the way we’re playing right now and, we’re playing pretty well on the defensive front, the need to get him on the field hasn’t been that you’ve got to have him out there we need — it was a must,” Rivera said Monday. I think right now for where we are and who we are, I think we’re in a good spot.” More than anything, the Commanders have a good chance at making the playoffs with four games left: against the Giants in prime time on Dec. 18, at San Francisco on Christmas Eve, home against the Cleveland Browns on New Year’s Day and their regular-season finale against the Dallas Cowboys. “This is about as big a stage we’ve been on since the Monday night game or the Thursday night game we played,” Rivera said.

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History of this topic

The Commanders split apart on the field Sunday, continuing an ill-timed reversal of fortune
1 month ago

The Commanders split apart on the field Sunday, continuing an ill-timed reversal of fortune

New York Times  

— For about 30 seconds, we were all wondering who would sing “The Ballad of Jayden Daniels,” weren’t we? So Austin Seibert’s kick that would have forced an improbable tie with the Dallas Cowboys — after Daniels somehow sent Terry McLaurin on his way for a ridiculous 86-yard touchdown pass with 21 seconds remaining — flew wide left. In the …

Despite injury to Jayden Daniels, Commanders all smiles after throttling Panthers
2 months ago

Despite injury to Jayden Daniels, Commanders all smiles after throttling Panthers

New York Times  

— The one-sided scoreboard, while glorious, wasn’t the main story. “You check on him, see how he’s doing, and we’ll take it day by day.” GO DEEPER Sunday's biggest play for the Commanders was keeping injured Jayden Daniels off the field That step-by-step approach has worked well for Washington this season. On his final run, wide receiver Dyami Brown recognized …

Panthers' Quest for Redemption: Can Bryce Young Lead a Comeback?
2 months ago

Panthers' Quest for Redemption: Can Bryce Young Lead a Comeback?

Associated Press  

The Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders meet Sunday in a matchup of teams going in different directions. The Panthers are looking to bounce back after a 32-73 record in the past five seasons, while the Commanders are hoping to turn their fortunes around after a 4-2 record this season. The game is a chance for both teams to show what …

The Washington Commanders’ defense is off to a rough start to the NFL season
3 months, 2 weeks ago

The Washington Commanders’ defense is off to a rough start to the NFL season

Associated Press  

While Jayden Daniels will be the focal point of the Washington Commanders’ season, their revamped defense did the rookie quarterback and the rest of the team no favors in a rough start to the season. “If you a 50/50 contested ball and they go up and get it, that’s football,” coach Dan Quinn said on a video call with reporters …

Commanders fire coach Ron Rivera as new ownership begins making changes
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Commanders fire coach Ron Rivera as new ownership begins making changes

Associated Press  

ASHBURN, Va. — Ron Rivera was fired Monday as coach of the Washington Commanders, a long-anticipated move new owners made as they put their stamp on the NFL franchise they bought last year. “We didn’t get it done on the field, and so we’ve decided to go into a new direction.” Rivera’s firing came as no surprise to anyone, including …

Rivera won’t announce the Commanders’ QB vs. the Cowboys yet
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Rivera won’t announce the Commanders’ QB vs. the Cowboys yet

Associated Press  

Ron Rivera refused Tuesday to reveal who will start at quarterback for the Washington Commanders in their season finale this weekend against the Dallas Cowboys. It could be an 18th consecutive start for Sam Howell, the first of the season for Jacoby Brissett or even Jake Fromm’s first NFL game action in nearly two years. “We don’t have to let …

Commanders and Jets square off in a matchup of lowly teams looking toward next season
1 year ago

Commanders and Jets square off in a matchup of lowly teams looking toward next season

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON at NEW YORK JETS Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, CBS OPENING LINE: Jets by 3, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Jets QB Aaron Rodgers was activated from IR while recovering from a torn left Achilles tendon, but will not play this season.. QB Zach Wilson remained in the concussion protocol as of Friday afternoon.. DL John Franklin-Myers didn’t practice all week, …

Rivera’s future with Commanders uncertain after much different Thanksgiving result against Cowboys
1 year, 1 month ago

Rivera’s future with Commanders uncertain after much different Thanksgiving result against Cowboys

Associated Press  

ARLINGTON, Texas — Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera has a pleasant Thanksgiving memory against the Dallas Cowboys. Now, after the Commanders’ 45-10 loss Thursday in their 11th Thanksgiving Day game against Dallas, the first since that 25-point victory in 2020, there will only be more questions about Rivera’s future in Washington. “We’re just going to roll with the punches, whatever …

Commanders’ 5th loss in 6 games exposes flaws in their makeup, especially on defense
1 year, 1 month ago

Commanders’ 5th loss in 6 games exposes flaws in their makeup, especially on defense

Associated Press  

When much of the chatter after the Washington Commanders’ latest loss was about whether Chase Young or Montez Sweat — or both — had played his final game for the team, the pass rushers were eager to deflect the trade talk to football. “There’s enough potential in that locker room to be a better football team,” coach Ron Rivera said. …

Ron Rivera defends Commanders’ pass-heavy approach in the name of developing QB Sam Howell
1 year, 2 months ago

Ron Rivera defends Commanders’ pass-heavy approach in the name of developing QB Sam Howell

Associated Press  

After Sam Howell dropped back to throw 52 times compared to 19 rushing attempts in the Washington Commanders’ latest loss, Ron Rivera defended the pass-heavy approach rather than criticizing the decision not to run the ball more. We’re trying to develop a young football team to be a very good football team for the future, and that’s what we’re going …

Commanders not ready for prime time against Bears: ‘As bad as it gets’
1 year, 2 months ago

Commanders not ready for prime time against Bears: ‘As bad as it gets’

New York Times  

— Magic Johnson seemed to understand the Washington Commanders’ mission against the winless Chicago Bears. “We just got to play as one.” Head coach Ron Rivera wisely avoided a knee-jerk reaction to Washington’s third consecutive loss following a 2-0 start. “I actually am worried, especially late in the game, when the game’s already out of hand,” left tackle Charles Leno …

The Commanders gave up more than 30 points again. The defense needs to be better against the Bears
1 year, 2 months ago

The Commanders gave up more than 30 points again. The defense needs to be better against the Bears

Associated Press  

Sam Howell quieted some of the criticism he has been getting in recent weeks, even in a loss. I would’ve liked to win the game for us, as well.” Thanks to some much-needed run-pass balance, the Commanders converted 47% of their third-down opportunities, up from 11% against the Bills. Rivera said offensive players were tired and doesn’t think he would’ve …

Commanders improve to 2-0 for first time since 2011 as Broncos’ dramatic comeback falls short
1 year, 3 months ago

Commanders improve to 2-0 for first time since 2011 as Broncos’ dramatic comeback falls short

New York Times  

By David Aldridge, Ben Standig and Nick Kosmider A dramatic comeback bid by the Denver Broncos fell short on the final play of the game against the Commanders as Washington held on to clinch a 35-33 road win Sunday and improve to 2-0 for the first time in 12 years. After a combined zero yards on their prior two possessions, …

Mistakes by Commanders in their season-opening win show them they have a lot to work on
1 year, 3 months ago

Mistakes by Commanders in their season-opening win show them they have a lot to work on

Associated Press  

Ron Rivera did not sound like a coach enjoying a comeback win after his Washington Commanders did, in fact, beat the Arizona Cardinals in front of a sellout crowd at home. “We really do appreciate them coming out, and we’ve got to be a better football team for them.” The joy of a celebrating a 20-16 victory and handing Josh …

Ron Rivera picks Sam Howell as the Washington Commanders’ starting quarterback
1 year, 4 months ago

Ron Rivera picks Sam Howell as the Washington Commanders’ starting quarterback

Associated Press  

ASHBURN, Va. — Coach Ron Rivera has named Sam Howell the Washington Commanders’ starting quarterback, making the North Carolina product the latest in a revolving door of players at the position for the organization in recent years. “We’ve been very pleased with it to the point where I decided yesterday that we were going to name him the starter going …

Rivera clarifies his statement about Commanders players expressing concern with Bieniemy’s style
1 year, 4 months ago

Rivera clarifies his statement about Commanders players expressing concern with Bieniemy’s style

Associated Press  

ASHBURN, Va. — Ron Rivera said Wednesday he spoke to Eric Bieniemy about his comments that some Washington Commanders players expressed concern over the new offensive coordinator’s coaching style, apologizing for the remarks that put him in hot water around the NFL. And I think the understanding of it is just the fact that I think everybody is making, in …

Washington Commanders schedule 2023: With pressure on, Rivera gets soft opening slate
1 year, 7 months ago

Washington Commanders schedule 2023: With pressure on, Rivera gets soft opening slate

New York Times  

The NFL schedule gods did Ron Rivera a solid, ish. The Washington Commanders’ head coach and his team need a quick start to the 2023 season, something they couldn’t accomplish in Rivera’s first three seasons. One game the Commanders can’t afford to lose: vs. Cardinals, Week 1 Aside from dealing with relentless organizational chaos, one consistent element under Rivera during …

Carson Wentz, Commanders continue playoff chase vs. Browns
1 year, 11 months ago

Carson Wentz, Commanders continue playoff chase vs. Browns

Associated Press  

ASHBURN, Va. — After getting into the thick of the playoff race, the Washington Commanders’ three-game winless skid put them in what seems like a straightforward position. “The last three games we are 0-2-1, so looking for a little something extra to give us a little something to get over the hump.” That could be Wentz, who’s making his first …

Back-to-back losses leave Commanders in QB quandary
1 year, 11 months ago

Back-to-back losses leave Commanders in QB quandary

Associated Press  

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Back-to-back losses haven’t knocked Washington out of playoff position just yet. “I’ll make a decision next week,” Rivera said after the game. “I’ll make it early, too, because whoever’s going to start is going to get the chance to work.” Washington is winless in its last three games, but remains in seventh place in the NFC …

Commanders QB controversy, playoff destiny, Chase Young’s return and more
1 year, 11 months ago

Commanders QB controversy, playoff destiny, Chase Young’s return and more

New York Times  

The Washington Commanders were not expected to travel across the country on a short week and beat one of the NFC’s top contenders. https://t.co/nGRhaeIBaC — Ben Standig December 25, 2022 We’ve now seen defensive end Chase Young bounce around a football field for the first time since he suffered a significant right knee injury 13 months ago. Those short-yardage misses …

Why the Commanders will make the playoffs this season, and why they won’t
2 years ago

Why the Commanders will make the playoffs this season, and why they won’t

New York Times  

ASHBURN, Va. — Forget the next-game-up mentality. https://t.co/2IQka25e0i — Ben Standig December 20, 2022 Only reserve offensive lineman Saahdiq Charles received a “did not participate” label in practice last week and for Wednesday’s walk-through. Since Week 5, five of Washington’s 10 games have come down to a pass into the end zone or to the 1-yard line with under a …

Referees aside, Commanders at a loss after blowing golden opportunity vs. Giants
2 years ago

Referees aside, Commanders at a loss after blowing golden opportunity vs. Giants

New York Times  

— The quiet, unfocused stares inside the locker room spoke volumes. Charles Leno after the 20-12 loss: pic.twitter.com/VKmWJRAJX3 — Ben Standig December 19, 2022 The Washington Commanders weren’t challenging the 1972 Miami Dolphins as the NFL’s last undefeated team. In this game, quarterback Taylor Heinicke lost two fumbles, including a strip-sack by Kayvon Thibodeaux in the shadow of the Commanders’ …

Aldridge: Commanders aren’t pretty but keep winning. Isn’t that what matters?
2 years ago

Aldridge: Commanders aren’t pretty but keep winning. Isn’t that what matters?

New York Times  

— You may hate the Commanders’ quarterback. You may hate the Sean Taylor display the team unveiled on a FedExField concourse Sunday, marking 15 years since the beloved All-Pro safety’s death. Honoring 21 💛 The unveiling of the new Sean Taylor memorial pic.twitter.com/NGTH0l910u — Washington Commanders November 27, 2022 But what you can’t hate, not anymore, is this year’s team. …

Commanders in the playoffs? How viable are their postseason hopes?
2 years, 1 month ago

Commanders in the playoffs? How viable are their postseason hopes?

New York Times  

Yes, Jim Mora, we’re talking about the playoffs. “You just think week-to-week,” Ron Rivera said following Sunday’s 23-10 win at Houston, Washington’s fifth in six games. The defense is dismal — 29th most passing yards allowed per game — but the offense under coach Arthur Smith ranks 12th in Football Outsiders’ DVOA. GO DEEPER Updated NFL playoff picture: Big battles …

Commanders inconsistent but in playoff race at midway point
2 years, 1 month ago

Commanders inconsistent but in playoff race at midway point

Associated Press  

It’s possible the Washington Commanders were one interception by Taylor Heinicke away from beating the Minnesota Vikings. “I like where the guys are: We’re playing physical, we’re running the ball physically,” coach Ron Rivera said Monday. “On top of the world one week and then you feel like everything’s crashing down on you the next.” Heinicke is 2-1 with five …

Commanders’ QB Wentz to IR; will miss at least four games
2 years, 2 months ago

Commanders’ QB Wentz to IR; will miss at least four games

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Carson Wentz went on injured reserve Saturday, meaning the Washington Commanders will be without their starting quarterback for at least the next four games. Wentz, who had surgery to repair a broken finger, won’t get the chance to return to his first two NFL cities and face his former teams, the Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts. Since his …

Is Ron Rivera’s job at risk after Commanders’ 1-4 start? — Aldridge
2 years, 2 months ago

Is Ron Rivera’s job at risk after Commanders’ 1-4 start? — Aldridge

New York Times  

— This is never pleasant, and it’s never personal. Ron Rivera’s record in Washington, two-plus seasons in, is 15-23, after Sunday’s backbreaking 21-17 loss at FedEx to the Titans. GO DEEPER Despite shaking things up, Commanders come up empty, and patience is wearing thin Washington’s hope this season for quarterback renewal, Carson Wentz, threw a devastating last-second pick Sunday, after …

After Brian Robinson scare, Commanders feel ‘very fortunate’ rookie RB is OK
2 years, 3 months ago

After Brian Robinson scare, Commanders feel ‘very fortunate’ rookie RB is OK

New York Times  

ASHBURN, Va. — Irony and fear walloped Ron Rivera. “I’ve gotten several phone calls as a head coach, unfortunately,” Rivera, a head coach since 2011, said following Monday’s practice. The initial sense was Robinson was not in grave danger, “but we weren’t sure,” the head coach added. There is no timeline, but as I said, everything was very positive.” Around …

Making playoffs is the expectation for Washington Commanders
2 years, 3 months ago

Making playoffs is the expectation for Washington Commanders

Associated Press  

ASHBURN, Va. — Going into his third season coaching Washington, Ron Rivera has drawn plenty of parallels between the same timeframe he had with Carolina, which resulted in a playoff appearance. The expectation is for Washington to do the same in the team’s first season known as the Commanders, even if Rivera stopped short of saying it’s fair to declare …

Little on-field drama at start of Washington Commanders camp
2 years, 4 months ago

Little on-field drama at start of Washington Commanders camp

Associated Press  

ASHBURN, Va. — Jonathan Allen has been part of a handful of training camps with Washington that begin with loud questions about what might be next for the once-storied NFL franchise. “I would like to assume that it doesn’t affect most of the guys out there because we’re all professionals and we know how to handle our business.” This camp …

One long Bills’ drive exposes Washington’s weaknesses
3 years, 2 months ago

One long Bills’ drive exposes Washington’s weaknesses

Associated Press  

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Washington coach Ron Rivera’s heart began to sink watching Josh Allen and the Bills convert one first down after another on Buffalo’s first drive of the second half. A game that seemed within reach began slowly slipping away as Allen dissected the Football Team’s supposedly stout defense during a 93-yard, 17-play drive, which ate up 8:17 …

Analysis: Washington needs struggling defense to improve
3 years, 3 months ago

Analysis: Washington needs struggling defense to improve

Associated Press  

Defense was supposed to be the biggest reason to believe Washington could repeat as NFC East champions, and it still might turn out to be. “It’s something that’s very frustrating for us as coaches,” Rivera said of mistakes made that were part of the game plan. “The players, they’re trusting their teammates to do their job and we’ve got be …

Washington still has no name but bears higher expectations
3 years, 3 months ago

Washington still has no name but bears higher expectations

Associated Press  

ASHBURN, Va. — Before Washington gets a new name, Ron Rivera’s team has one more chance to add another division title. After winning the NFC East at 7-9 in Rivera’s first year, Washington faces higher expectations in what should be the final season before a new moniker is unveiled. We’re not going to understand what it takes to get back …

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